Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the General Policy Debate of the 41st session of UNESCO General Conference

On November 11, 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Chairman of the National Commission of the Republic of Tajikistan for UNESCO Sirojiddin Muhriddin addressed at the General Policy Debate of the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris.

At the beginning of his speech, S.Muhriddin thanked the Director-General of UNESCO Ms. Audrey Azoulay for the hospitality and excellent organization of the regular session of the  General Conference.

Head of the Tajik delegation stressed that this Conference serves as a useful platform for studying, sharing experience and coordinating joint efforts of UNESCO and its member states to promote goals and objectives related to the protection of national values ​​– culture and language, historical, cultural and natural monuments, traditions and customs, the development of science and education.

The representative of the country particularly dwelled on the topic of the status and reputation of Tajikistan as a sovereign state and an equal member of the world community, in particular spoke about the achievements of the republic in domestic and foreign policy over the past period of state independence, about the country's extensive activities within UNESCO through the implementation of projects and programs at the national, regional and international levels in the fields of culture, science and education, on the contribution of Tajikistan to the protection and promotion of the world cultural and natural heritage, emphasized the importance of targeted cooperation to strengthen peace, stability and sustainable development of all countries through effective partnership within the mandate of UNESCO. It was emphasized that UNESCO is the only organization that actively calls for unity and solidarity, and also takes practical steps in difficult times for the world community through culture, science and education.

S.Muhriddin mentioned about the inclusion of the natural site "National Park of Tajikistan", the ancient town of Sarazm, the national music "Shashmaqom", the International Day of Navruz, the national dish "Oshi palov" and the art of embroidery "Chakan" in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

He expressed satisfaction with the high level of cooperation of the country with this Organization in the context of the celebration of the 30th  anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, especially in connection with holding of the solemn event of the Day of Culture of Tajikistan at UNESCO (October 14, 2021) with the participation of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon and Director-General of UNESCO Ms. Audrey Azoulay, as well as a unique Exhibition of historical items titled "Tajikistan – the land of golden rivers" at the National Museum of Asian Arts "Guimet" in Paris (October 13, 2021 to January 10, 2022).

Concluding his speech, the Tajik side spoke about the country's proactive role in promoting water and climate issues within the UN system, including the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Program, and also called to support Tajikistan's initiatives to declare 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Protection, establish World Glacier Day and stressed the importance of the creation of the International Glacier Fund.

Referring to the current alarming situation in Afghanistan, S.Muhriddin noted Tajikistan's support for UNESCO's position on preserving the historical heritage in this country and once again emphasized the appeal of Tajikistan to the international community, first of all to the concerned states to urgently render humanitarian assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan through international organizations.